The incident happened Dec. 29 at a business in the 3000 block of Bienville Street. Surveillance video shows a man repeatedly striking the victim with a pistol, then leaving with about $500.

Through the images, New Orleans police detectives identified the attacker as 26-year-old Anthony Fields, a repeat offender with a lengthy record.

They distributed copies of the surveillance video, which was broadcast on WDSU TV and by other media.

Late Sunday afternoon, a store owner recognized Fields inside his business and alerted police. As officers approached the gas station, at Tulane Ave. and Jefferson Davis Pkwy., Fields began to run, they said.

He was apprehended a short time later.

Fields will face charges of armed robbery, aggravated battery and aggravated assault. Police Supt. Ronal Serpas has pointed to the case as an example of flaws in the judicial system.

"The surveillance video of this attack is incredibly disturbing. But what's even more upsetting is the fact that this suspect has a lengthy criminal record, including an arrest for illegally carrying a firearm," he said.

The victim in the robbery required significant medical treatment for facial injuries.